Congressman Rodney Davis and his family pose with House Speaker John Boehner Thursday. (Photo Courtesy Rodney Davis)

By Paul Morello

WASHINGTON, D.C. - New U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), says he's ready to get started on the nation's issues, after being sworn in Thursday morning.

Davis, representing the 13th District, was sworn in as part of the 113th Congress Thursday. He says it didn't sink in until he finally put on the Congressional pin after the ceremony at the Capitol.

"I don't know if I'll ever get out of that 'wow' phase, because it's such an honor to be here to serve the people of the 13th District," he said.

Davis was joined by his family at the swearing in ceremony.

He told WJBC's Jim Fitzpatrick that he wants to get to work on a long-term farm bill and wants to find a permanent solution to the country's debt crisis.

"Our debt is 16 trillion dollars. You heard me talk incessantly about that during the campaign. It is unsustainable," he said. "I'm disappointed that the temporary solution that passed Congress included that artificial deadline which was put forth by the past Congress."

PODCAST: Listen to Congressman Davis' interview on WJBC.

Davis had a busy first day as a congressman. Besides being sworn in and voting on a number of rules packages, Davis watched U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk ascend the steps of the Capitol for the first time since having a stroke just over a year ago.

"I would not be here without Mark Kirk," Davis said. "He was one of my earliest supporters and has always been a big advocate for me. I saw him in June and he told me that his goal was by the end of the year to walk up the steps of the Capitol."

Kirk was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.